RTT and Awning Combo that will work for a family of 4?

[ST70]

I like the idea of a removable awning and going to check that out in connection to my setup, which might be helpful to some on the budget side.

I had to abandon the idea of a RTT because my older shepherd simply cant make it up the ladder and we're just not willing to jump into a camper. My setup includes the Big Agnes Sugarloaf Shelter. GX backs right up into the entry. With its rain canopy, its a near perfect weather proof fit and its big enough to put everyone in. With the footprint floor it is basically a nice large tent.

Additionally, I made a very cheap but effective bed platform for the GX cab from interlocking mats purchased at Harbor Freight. The kiddos sleep very happy/comfortable in there; its easy to open the upper tailgate in to the shelter so they're not scared/to far separated. I used R21 insulation roll for the windows to maintain privacy, and made a screen for the moonroof so the ever so dangerous bugs can't get to them. Sugarloaf is most expensive at $449 (without a sale), however I've owned it for years as it has multiple uses (Big Anges makes solid camping gear). The interlocking bed mats and insulated privacy cut outs for the windows ran a mere 75 bucks. Attached some pics.

New to the forum and my GX. I've been through three Tacomas (none of which died by natural causes), one Range Rover SC, one Tundra, one Raptor, one ZR2....gotta say I love the GX the best so far!

 

[r2m]

I went with an even cheaper option, a 6.5' x 10' rectangle umbrella:
Amazon product ASIN B07RZZR4WFI got a 7 foot section of 6" piece of PVC pipe and two end caps. Mounted up where an awning would go on rack next to my RTT.
I also got a folding, free standing base for it:
Amazon product ASIN B0754Q7G7F
And finally some of these tarp clips:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PMC3T6Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
With the clips and a couple of reusable cable (zip) ties I can set this up on ANY side of my vehicle OR free stand it if where I want to relax is not near my rig.
I can set this up and tear it down as quickly or quicker than most of the other awnings out there and total cost for everything?
About $95.00 total!
This has been an awesome setup for us!

 

[r2m]

I like the idea of a removable awning and going to check that out in connection to my setup, which might be helpful to some on the budget side.

I had to abandon the idea of a RTT because my older shepherd simply cant make it up the ladder and we're just not willing to jump into a camper. My setup includes the Big Agnes Sugarloaf Shelter. GX backs right up into the entry. With its rain canopy, its a near perfect weather proof fit and its big enough to put everyone in. With the footprint floor it is basically a nice large tent.

Additionally, I made a very cheap but effective bed platform for the GX cab from interlocking mats purchased at Harbor Freight. The kiddos sleep very happy/comfortable in there; its easy to open the upper tailgate in to the shelter so they're not scared/to far separated. I used R21 insulation roll for the windows to maintain privacy, and made a screen for the moonroof so the ever so dangerous bugs can't get to them. Sugarloaf is most expensive at $449 (without a sale), however I've owned it for years as it has multiple uses (Big Anges makes solid camping gear). The interlocking bed mats and insulated privacy cut outs for the windows ran a mere 75 bucks. Attached some pics.

New to the forum and my GX. I've been through three Tacomas (none of which died by natural causes), one Range Rover SC, one Tundra, one Raptor, one ZR2....gotta say I love the GX the best so far!

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For the sunroof screen, can't see too well how you made that. I plan on making one myself usning basic window screen material and then get some flexible 1/2" width magnetic strips and hot-glue the magnetic trips along the edge of the screen material? THen just stick it above your sunroof!

The reason is that heat KILL's car interiors. It's not just the UV but also the constant cycling of 110°-130°+ interior temperature when all the windows are up!

As an R&D medical engineer, one of the tests we do to all new products is "accelerated aging". So you ask, "How is that done?" Well it's done by keeping completely packaged products in an oven at an elevated temperature of about ±170° for several months (depending upon the protocol) This generally will determine if bonds fail, delamination, discoloring, cracking, etc. with being in a store room shelf for several years.
So all that preamble is just to say that heat KILLS interiors! So whenever I can, especially in summer I leave my sunroof open all the time. Okay, I have my RTT covering the opening so sun doesn't get in, but having it open vents all the heat that would normally destroy my dash, steering wheel, leather, etc. My rig's interior never gets over 100°, year-round and since I can't park in a garage, that's help keep my interior looking great!